Episode 56: Mark O’Brien, Co-founder and Executive Director of Pro Bono Net

In his work with Pro Bono Net, Co-founder and Executive Director Mark O’Brien heads a national nonprofit that increases access to justice for the poor and other vulnerable populations through innovative uses of technology, collaboration, and volunteer mobilization. In today’s rapidly-changing world, this work is vital to under-represented communities across the United States.

In this episode, Mark and Jack Newton talk about a range of topics, including:

How Pro Bono Net leverages multiple approaches holistically to accomplish its objectivesHow legal professionals can get more involved in pro bono and access to justice workWhat “grade” Mark would give to the justice system at present, and why Why the need for access to justice is so great in poor and marginalized communities

Mark O'Brien is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Pro Bono Net, a national nonprofit that increases access to justice for the poor and other vulnerable populations through innovative uses of technology, collaboration, and volunteer mobilization. Founded in 1998, Pro Bono Net builds web platforms to support public interest lawyers, build broad-based justice partnerships, and empower people in need to solve their legal problems. 

Prior to starting Pro Bono Net, Mark spent eight years building a nationally recognized pro bono program at Davis Polk. He has served on the advisory boards of the University of Pennsylvania Law School Public Service Program and the Public Interest Law Alliance (Ireland), is a member of the Pro Bono and Legal Services Committee of the New York City Bar, and of Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman's Committee on Non-Lawyers and the Justice Gap. He is currently an Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, where he co-teaches the Technology, Innovation, and Law Practice Practicum. Mark was named a 2012 "FastCase 50" honoree for his contributions to the legal technology field.